Quickly attachable and detachable decorations for orthodonthic braces

ABSTRACT

An easily and quickly attachable and detachable decoration for orthodontic braces comprising a decorative object attachable to an arch wire of an orthodontic brace by a quick attach and release catch so as to extend downward from the arch wire and outside the mouth of the wearer of the orthodontic brace.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of United States ProvisionalApplication for Patent filed Oct. 5, 2007 under Ser. No. ______ for“Jewelry, composed of a clasp, chain, and charm soldered and attached,intended to hang off and decorate the wire of orthodontic braces” andincorporates that Provisional Application by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The desirability of decorations for orthodontic braces has beenaddressed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,413, issued Aug. 31, 1993 and entitled“Decorative Orthodontic Brace and Method”. That invention recognizesthat the arch wire extending between the tooth-connected brackets ofconventional orthodontic braces is spaced forward of the teeth andprovides a space between the brackets for the physical attachment ofcharm-like display objects. Four methods and structures of attachment ofthe charms are discussed in the patent.

The first attachment method and structure is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and5 of the patent and comprises a charm that is made integral with alength of wire. A loop is formed in the wire on one side of the charmand is placed around a vertically extending wing of a first one of thebrace brackets on one side of the charm and twisted on the arch wire tosecure the loop to the first bracket and the arch wire. On the otherside of the charm, ends of the wire extending through the charm aretwisted about the arch wire and wrapped around a vertical wing of asecond one of the brace brackets on the other side of the charm and thentwisted again on an opposite of the second bracket. Excess wire beyondthe second bracket is then removed.

The second attachment method and structure comprises an elastic rubberchain formed of a series of loops applied to adjacent ones of the bracebrackets. The charm is assembled on the chain with loops of the chainlooped around the vertical wings of adjacent brace brackets as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 of the patent. Using tweezers and a mirror, the patentindicates that a patient may be able to remove the charm-chain andreplace it with another.

The third attachment method utilizes a collar bracket on a back of thecharm that enables the charm to be threaded along the arch wire prior toits connection to the brace brackets as shown in FIG. 8 of the patent.

The fourth attachment method utilizes a charm having a wire-stringinghole for receiving a length of ligature wire that is cut to length, tiedto bracket wings of adjacent brace brackets and twisted as shown in FIG.9 of the patent.

Unfortunately, the attachment of any decorative object to an arch wireor bracket of an orthodontic brace that requires the twisting ofsupporting wires to the brackets and arch wires of orthodontic braceswill inherently interfere with ability of an orthodontist to easily makethe periodic adjustments of the tautness and other mounting conditionsof the arch wire required to properly shift the position of specificteeth to which the orthodontic brace is applied. Such attachments are tobe avoided not withstanding the need for beautification of anorthodontic brace.

Accordingly there is a continuing need for decorative orthodontic braceattachments that can be quickly and easily made without the twisting ofinterfering wires and the like. The present invention satisfies thatneed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Basically, the present invention comprises an easily and quicklyattachable and detachable decoration for orthodontic braces thatcomprises a decorative object attachable to the arch wire of anorthodontic brace by a quick attach and release catch so as to extenddownward from the arch wire and outside the mouth of the wearer of theorthodontic brace.

The catch may comprise a clasp or a hook member that includes (i) anupper internally arched portion above an opening dimensioned to receivethe arch wire of an orthodontic brace with the arched portion of thecatch engaging and resting on the arch wire with sides extendingdownwardly there from, and (ii) a lower vertically extending portionbelow the upper portion to which the decorative object is connected by aconnective link.

The connective link may include a quick release connection to the catchand may comprise a chain, wire or cord of any of various materials orany combination thereof and having thereon a connection to thedecorative object.

The forgoing and other features of the present invention will be moreclearly understood by reference to the following detailed descriptionwhen considered with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front view of a basic form of the decoration ofthe present invention releasably attached to an arch wire of anorthodontic brace on the teeth of a wearer.

FIG. 2 is a slightly enlarged front view of the decoration of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c are front views of the decoration of FIG. 2illustrating steps in assembly of the decoration.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic front view of a second form of the decorationof the present invention releasably attached to an arch wire of anorthodontic brace on the teeth of a wearer.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of the decoration of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, and 6 c are front views of the decoration of FIG. 5illustrating steps in assembly of the decoration.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a third form of the decoration of the presentinvention including a magnetic quick release connection in a connectivelink of the decoration.

FIG. 7 a is a front view of an upper portion of the decoration of FIG. 7including a clasp and a connective ring in a partially open conditionand receiving a loop connected to an upper portion of the quick releaseconnection of FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 b is a front view of the decoration of FIG. 7 during its assemblywith a lower portion of the quick release connection being separatedslightly from its upper portion with a bottom loop extending from thelower portion receiving a partially open ring of a connective link for adecorative object to the quick release connection.

FIG. 7 c is a perspective view of the quick release of FIG. 7 in areleased condition.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a fourth form of the decoration of the presentinvention including a ball and socket quick release connection in aconnective link of the decoration.

FIG. 8 a is a front view of the decoration of FIG. 8 during its assemblywith a lower portion of the quick release connection being separatedslightly from its upper portion and a connective link for a decorativeobject to the quick release connection.

FIGS. 8 b and 8 c are perspective view of the quick release connectionof FIG. 8 in released and connected conditions respectively.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a fifth form of the decoration of the presentinvention including a hook-shaped catch for a chain comprising aconnective link of the decoration.

FIG. 9 a is a front view of the decoration of FIG. 9 during assemblythereof and during attachment of a decorative object to the decoration.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an upper portion of the decoration of FIG. 9releasably attached to the arch wire of an orthodontic brace.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic front view of a sixth form of the decorationof the present invention releasably attached to an arch wire of anorthodontic brace on the teeth of a wearer.

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b are front views of the decoration of FIG. 11 duringassembly of the decoration.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a seventh form of the decoration of thepresent invention including a cord-like connective link for a decorativeobject to a clasp.

FIG. 13 a is front view of the decoration of FIG. 13 during assemblythereof and during attachment of a decorative object to the decoration.

FIG. 14 is a front view of an upper portion of the decoration of FIG. 13releasably attached to the arch wire of an orthodontic brace.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

As depicted in the above referenced figures, the quickly attachable anddetachable decoration of the present invention is represented generallyby the number 10.

Basically, the decoration 10 comprises a decorative object 12 attachableto the arch wire 14 of an orthodontic brace 16 by a quick attach andrelease catch 18 so as to extend downward from the arch wire and outsidethe mouth 20 of the wearer of the orthodontic brace.

The catch 18 may comprise a releasable clasp or a hook member thatincludes (i) an upper internally arched portion 22 above an opening 24dimensioned to receive the arch wire 14 of the orthodontic brace 16 withan internal arch 26 of the catch engaging and resting on the arch wirewith a side 28 extending downwardly there from, and (ii) a lowervertically extending portion 30 below the upper portion 22 to which thedecorative object 12 is connected by a connective link 32.

The connective link 32 may include a quick release connection 34 to thecatch 18 (FIGS. 7 and 8) and may comprise a chain 36 or a loop thereof(FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 8, 9), a wire or cord 38 (FIG. 13) of any of variousmaterials and may be of any combination of chain, wire or cord havingthereon a connection to the decorative object 12. Alternatively, theconnective link 32 may comprise a loop 19 on the catch 18 forming aconnection to the decorative object 12 (FIG. 12 b).

Referring specifically to a first embodiment of the decoration 10 shownin FIGS. 1-3 c, the catch 18 comprises any releasable clasp of knowndesign such as the illustrated lobster claw clasp having the previouslyreferenced upper and lower portions 22 and 30. The upper portion 22includes the internal arch-shaped portion 26 above the opening 24 thatis dimensioned to receive the arch wire 14 shown in FIG. 1 as extendingbetween and secured to brackets 15 attached to the front of the teeth ofa wearer of the orthodontic brace 16. As is common for conventionalreleasable clasps, the opening 24 is normally closed by a spring-biaseddoor member 25 controlled by an external arm 27. When the arm 27 ismoved downward as depicted in FIG. 2, the door 25 is opened to allow theclasp to receive and capture the arch wire 14 as depicted in FIG. 1.Upon release of the arm 27, the spring-biased door 25 is returned to itsnormally closed position with the internally arched portion 26 of theclasp 18 resting on the arch wire 14 to support the decoration 10relative to the orthodontic brace 16. In that position, the side 28 andthe lower portion 30 of the clasp 18 extend downward beyond the archwire 14 and the mouth 20 of the wearer of the orthodontic brace 16 tosupport the chain 36 of the connective link 32 and the decorative object12 secured to a lower end of the chain by a connection 38. As depictedin FIGS. 1-3 c, the connection 38 comprises an openable ring or loop 39receiving and supporting a wire loop 40 extending upward from a smalldecorative fish comprising the decorative object 12 in FIGS. 1-3 c. Asimilar openable ring or loop 39′ comprises a connection for the upperend of the chain 36 to the clasp 18. As depicted in FIGS. 2-3 c, abottom portion of the clasp 18 includes an opening between right andleft sides of the clasp receiving the openable ring or loop 39′ that inturn receives an upper link of the chain 36 to connect the chain to theclasp 18.

The method of assembling the embodiment of the decoration 10 of FIG. 2is depicted in FIGS. 3 a-c. As shown, in FIG. 3 a, the ring 39′ in anopen condition is inserted through the previously referenced opening inthe bottom portion 30 of the clasp 18 and into an upper loop of thechain 36 comprising the connective link 32. Then, the ring 39 in an opencondition is looped through a bottom link of the chain. As shown in FIG.3 b, the ring 39′ is then closed (and if required, soldered shut) tosecure the chain to the clasp 18 and the open ring 39 is inserted intothe wire loop 40 extending from the decorative object 12. Finally, asshown in FIG. 3 c, the open ring 39 is closed (and if required, solderedshut) to secure the decorative object 12 to the chain 36 completing thedecoration 10 and readying it for releasable attachment to the arch wire14 as depicted in FIG. 1.

Referring specifically to a second embodiment of the decoration 10 shownin FIGS. 4-6 c, the catch 18 comprises the releasable clasp shown anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 1-3 c having the previously referencedupper and lower portions 22 and 30. The upper portion 22 includes theinternal arch-shaped portion 26 above the opening 24 that is dimensionedto receive the arch wire 14 shown in FIG. 4 as extending between andsecured to brackets 15 attached to the front of the teeth of a wearer ofthe orthodontic brace 16. As in the clasp 18 of FIGS. 1-3 c, the opening24 is normally closed by a spring-biased door member 25 controlled by anexternal arm 27. When the arm 27 is moved downward as depicted in FIG.2, the door 25 is opened to allow the clasp to receive and capture thearch wire 14 as depicted in FIG. 4. Upon release of the arm 27, thespring-biased door 25 is returned to its normally closed position withthe internally arched portion 26 of the clasp 18 resting on the archwire 14 to support the decoration 10 relative to the orthodontic brace16. In that position, the side 28 and the lower portion 30 of the clasp18 extend downward beyond the arch wire 14 and the mouth of the wearerof the orthodontic brace 16 to support the chain 36 of the connectivelink 32 and the decorative object 12 secured to a lower end of the chainby a connection 37. As depicted in FIGS. 4-6 c, the connection 37comprises a wire 41 extending upward from the decorative object 12comprising a transparent charm. As depicted in FIGS. 6 b and 6 c, thewire 41 is looped through a bottom loop of the chain 36 and looped orwrapped around the bottom chain loop to secure the charm 12 to the chain36.

As with the first embodiment of the decoration 10 illustrated in FIGS.1-3 c, an openable ring or loop 39′ comprises a connection for the upperend of the chain 36 to the clasp 18. As depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6 a, abottom portion of the clasp 18 includes an opening between right andleft sides of the clasp receiving the openable ring or loop 39′ that inturn receives an upper link of the chain 36 to connect the chain to theclasp 18.

The method of assembling the embodiment of the decoration 10 of FIG. 5is depicted in FIGS. 6 a-c. As shown in FIG. 6 a, the ring 39′ in anopen condition is inserted through the previously referenced opening inthe bottom portion of the clasp 18 and into an upper loop of the chain36 comprising the connective link 32. Then, as depicted in FIGS. 6 b and6 c, an upper end of the wire 41 is looped through a bottom link of thechain and wrapped securely around itself below the chain to form aclosed loop. As shown in FIG. 6 c, the ring 39′ is then closed (andsoldered shut if necessary) to secure the chain to the clasp 18 andsecure the decorative object 12 to the chain 36 completing thedecoration 10 and readying it for releasable attachment to the arch wire14 as depicted in FIG. 4.

Referring specifically to a third embodiment of the decoration 10 shownin FIGS. 7-7 c, the decoration corresponds to the decoration 10 of FIGS.1-3 c with the exception of (i) the previously referenced quick releaseconnection 34 between the loop or ring 39′ and the catch 18 and (ii) anopenable ring 39″ between the quick release connection 34 and the chain36. Accordingly, corresponding reference numbers will be applied tocorresponding structural elements of the decoration 10 in FIGS. 7-7 c,but details of the decoration and its assembly will not be repeated.

As to the quick release connection 34 illustrated in FIGS. 7-7 c, itcomprises a magnetic latch having a dome-shaped upper magnet portion 42of a first polarity and an inverted lower dome-shaped magnet portion 44of an opposite polarity shaped to mate with the upper magnet portion, asillustrated most clearly in FIG. 7 c. As shown, the upper magnet portion42 includes an upper loop 43 for receiving the open ring 39′ as shown inFIG. 7 a while the lower magnet portion 44 includes a lower loop 45 forreceiving an open ring or loop 39″. As depicted in FIG. 7 b, the ring39″ receives both the lower loop 45 and an upper loop of the chain 36.Accordingly, as the rings 39′ and 39″ are closed as depicted in FIGS. 7and 7 b, the magnetic latch is closed upon a mating of the upper andlower magnet portions as depicted in FIG. 7.

Inherently, the magnetic latch is characterized by a disconnect forcethreshold. When that threshold is exceeded, as by a downward forceapplied to the decorative object 12, the upper and lower portions of themagnetic latch will release, separating the catch 18 from the chain 36and decorative object 12. By proper selection of the force threshold,the latch separation will occur prior to any damaging forces beingapplied to the arch wire 14 of the orthodontic brace 16. Thus, the thirdembodiment of the decoration 10 includes a factor of safety for theorthodontic brace 16 to which the decoration 10 is applied.

A similar factor of safety is included in the fourth embodiment of thedecoration 10 illustrated in FIGS. 8-8 c. As illustrated, the fourthembodiment is the same as the decoration 10 of FIGS. 1-3 c with theexception of a ball and socket style quick release connection or latch34′ between the loop or ring 39′ and the link-type chain 36 beingreplaced by a conventional ball chain 50. Accordingly, correspondingreference numbers will be applied to corresponding structural elementsof the decoration 10 in FIGS. 8-8 c, but details of the decoration andits assembly will not be repeated.

Basically, the connection or latch 34′ comprises an upper dome-shapedsocket 46 and a ball 48 dimensioned to fit snugly into the socket 46 asillustrated most clearly in FIGS. 8 b and c. As shown, the upper socket46 includes an upper loop 47 for receiving the open ring 39′ as shown inFIG. 8 a while the ball 48 is an upper ball secured to an upper end of amounting wire 49 of the conventional ball chain 50 having a lower loop51 for receiving an open ring 52. As depicted in FIG. 8, the ring 52receives both the lower loop 51 and the wire loop 40 extending from thedecorative object 12. Accordingly, as the rings 39′ and 52 are closed asdepicted in FIGS. 8 and 8 a, and the ball 48 is forced into the socket46, the latch 34′ is closed as depicted in FIG. 8 to complete thedecoration 10.

Inherently, the ball and socket latch is characterized by a disconnectforce threshold. When that threshold is exceeded, as by a downward forceapplied to the decorative object 12, the ball 48 will release from thesocket 46, separating the catch 18 from the chain 50 and decorativeobject 12. By proper selection of the force threshold, the latchseparation will occur prior to any damaging forces being applied to thearch wire 14 of the orthodontic brace 16. Thus, the fourth embodiment ofthe decoration 10 also includes a factor of safety for the orthodonticbrace 16 to which the decoration 10 is applied.

Referring specifically to a fifth embodiment of the decoration 10 shownin FIGS. 9, 9 a and 10, the catch 18 comprises an S-shaped hook memberhaving the previously referenced upper and lower portions 22 and 30 andopening 24. The upper portion 22 includes the internal arch-shapedportion 26 above the opening 24 that is dimensioned to receive the archwire 14 shown in FIG. 10 as extending between and secured to brackets 15attached to the front of the teeth of a wearer of the orthodontic brace16. In that position, the side 28 and the lower portion 30 of the clasp18 extend downward beyond the arch wire 14 and the mouth of the wearerof the orthodontic brace 16.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 9 a, the lower portion 30 of the S-shapedhook comprising the catch 18 extends below the opening 24 and receivesthe upper link or loop of the chain 36 of the connective link 32 tosupport the decorative object 12. In that regard, the decorative object12 comprises a key-shaped charm secured to a lower end of the chain by adouble ring comprising the ring 39 looped through a lower link or loopof the chain 36 to define the connection 38 for the decorative object.

Referring specifically to a sixth embodiment of the decoration 10 shownin FIGS. 11, 12 a and 12 b, the catch 18 comprises a circular releasableclasp having the previously referenced upper and lower portions 22 and30, the opening 24 normally closed by a spring-biased door 25 and adownward loop 19.

As with the clasp of FIGS. 1-8, the spring-biased door 25 is controlledby the arm 27 that is moveable to open and close the opening 24. Also,the upper portion 22 includes the internal arch-shaped portion 26 abovethe opening 24 that is dimensioned to receive the arch wire 14 shown inFIG. 11 as extending between and secured to brackets 15 attached to thefront of the teeth of a wearer of the orthodontic brace 16. In thatposition, the side 28 and the lower portion 30 of the clasp 18 extenddownward beyond the arch wire 14 and the mouth of the wearer of theorthodontic brace 16.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 a and b, the lower portion 30 of the circularclasp 18 extends below the opening 24 and the previously referenced loop19 receives upper links or loops of two chains 36 comprising thedecorative object 12.

The method of assembling the embodiment of the decoration 10 of FIG. 11is depicted in FIGS. 12 a and b. As shown in FIG. 12 a, upper links orloops of the chains 36 are opened and inserted through the loop 19 ofthe clasp 18. The open links of the chains 36 are then closed (andsoldered shut if necessary) to secure the chains to the clasp 18.

Finally, FIGS. 13 a and b illustrate the assembly of a seventhembodiment of the decoration 10 of the present invention and FIG. 14shows the seventh embodiment releasably attached to the arch wire 14 ofthe orthodontic brace 16.

As shown, the seventh embodiment of the decoration 10 comprises thepreviously described releasable clasp 18, the previously referenced cord38 and upper and lower connections 52 and 54 for the cord to the clasp18 and decorative object 12 respectively.

The cord 38 may be formed of any one or more of several differentmaterials including without limitation: metal wire, leather, surgicalsteel, plastic or composite polymeric materials and fabrics or threadsof known compositions.

The upper connection 52 to the clasp 18 may be any structure that willsecure the upper end of the cord 38 to the clasp including aconventional swivel 56 connected to a lower end of the clasp 18 andhaving malleable pocket 58 receiving and securing the upper end of thecord as shown in FIGS. 13 and 13 a.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 13 a, the connection 54 to thedecorative object 12 may comprise any structure that will secure thelower end of the cord 38 to the object 12 including without limitation aconventional swivel 60 having a lower loop 62 and an upper malleablepocket 64 receiving and securing the lower end of the cord. Asillustrated, the connection 54 may also include an open ring 66 forinsertion through the lower loop 62 and a wire loop 68 extending fromthe decorative object 12. With a closing of the open ring 66, the object12 will be secured to the clasp 18 by the connection 54 as shown in FIG.13.

While particular preferred embodiments of the decoration of the presentinvention have been illustrated and described above, it is appreciatedthat changes and modifications may be made in the illustratedembodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention.Accordingly, the scope of present invention is to be limited only by theterms of the following claims.

1. An easily and quickly attachable and detachable decoration fororthodontic braces comprising a decorative object attachable to an archwire of an orthodontic brace by a quick attach and release catch so asto extend downward from the arch wire and outside the mouth of thewearer of the orthodontic brace.
 2. The decoration of claim 1 whereinthe catch comprises: an upper internally arched portion above an openingdimensioned to receive the arch wire of an orthodontic brace with theupper internally arched portion of the catch engaging and resting on thearch wire with a side of the catch extending downwardly there from; anda lower vertically extending portion below the upper portion to whichthe decorative object is connected by a connective link.
 3. Thedecoration of claim 2 wherein the connective link includes a quickrelease connection to the catch.
 4. The decoration of claim 2 whereinthe connective link comprises a chain, wire or cord or any combinationthereof of any of various materials.
 5. The decoration of claim 4wherein the connective link further includes a connection to thedecorative object.
 6. The decoration of claim 2 wherein the catchcomprises a clasp.
 7. The decoration of claim 2 wherein the catchcomprises a hook.
 8. The decoration of claim 2 further comprising: aring secured to a lower end of the catch; and a chain extendingvertically from the ring.
 9. The decoration of claim 8 wherein thedecorative object comprises a charm attached to the chain.
 10. Thedecoration of claim 2 further comprising: a loop at a lower end of thecatch; and a decorative object vertically extending from the loop. 11.The decoration of claim 10 wherein the decorative object comprises achain.
 12. The decoration of claim 7 wherein the hook comprises an upperloop and a lower loop and wherein the connective link comprises a chainextending from the lower loop of the hook and wherein the decorationfurther comprises a decorative object secured to the chain.
 13. Thedecoration of claim 12 wherein the decorative object is secured to thechain by a ring.
 14. The decoration of claim 6 wherein the clasp is areleasable clasp and wherein the decoration further comprises a loopextending from a lower end of the clasp, a chain extending from the loopand a decorative object extending from the chain.
 15. The decoration ofclaim 14 further comprising a connection between the chain anddecorative object.
 16. The decoration of claim 15 wherein the connectionis a support ring.
 17. The decoration of claim 15 wherein the connectionis a loop extending from the decorative object.
 18. The decoration ofclaim 14 further comprising a quick release connection between the loopand the chain.
 19. The decoration of claim 6 further comprisingcord-like connective link, an upper connection between the connectivelink and the clasp, a lower connection between the connective link and aconnection to a decorative object.
 20. The decoration of claim 19wherein the connection to the decorative object comprises a ringextending from the lower connection and a loop extending from thedecorative object.